The northernmost reach in Taylor Massey Creek is a fascinating
compendium of problems and successes. With the original clean headwaters
north of the 401 routed to Highland Creek, the current poor-quality
and low-volume base flow has been captured to create two ponds in
the northern half of the reach, while storm flows are diverted to
a water-quality treat-ment system tucked ingeniously under the local
soccer field. The area trail and pedestrian bridge, extensive community
plantings, and recreational splash pad provide a sense of place
and community.

This award-winning "concept site" needs to be extended
southward, as the southern half of the reach still corsets the Creek
in a concrete channel, jammed in beside the Warden Hydro Corridor.

Reach Issues

Historically clean headwaters flowing from
north of the 401 were diverted to Highland Creek during the construction
of the highway, so that the current headwaters area consists of
16 hectares of the 401. These deliver huge volumes of litter,
automotive droppings, and winter salt to a reduced base flow.
We need to investigate our ability to restore some of the traditional
base flow.

While base and storm-flows from the 401 are now treated, to
some degree, there are no stormwater management ponds to treat
water from local residential areas. As a result, the plan to remediate
the southern half of the reach should include options to replace
the existing concrete channel and to create new storm-water ponds
using the full width of the hydro corridor, as the corridor is
no longer used to transmit electricity.

The TMP suggested a motion, passed by the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, that it seek ownership of the section
of the Hydro Corridor containing the Creek.

The creation of the Taylor Massey Trail will require a stop-light
or cross-walk on Ellesmere.

Other Information

Reach Stewardship Group active since 1995 and played a key role
in the development of the award-winning concept site. Contact
us via Terraview@theTMP.org
if you want to help.

Photos of the concept site in "A Breath of Fresh Air",
available at all TDSB school libraries.